Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 200 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
i

Richard A.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

Quality 10

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I've recommended them to a couple of people I know who are interested in solar.

They laid everything out very neatly and they explained everything very thoroughly, regarding the timeline and how it would go. They were complete in their presentation and prompt in their work.

Mary C.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

2
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

We've told other people about them and how reliable and efficient they are. The company they use to do the installation is also really good. We knew about Complete Solar from neighbors who are extremely satisfied with them and we've since referred other neighbors to them.

They're professional and knowledgeable about the solar system, and they answered all of our questions. They seem to be keeping up with the latest engineering technology.

Robert C.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

3
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're worthwhile. If it fits your needs, use them.

I like the program that they presented and I like that I'm saving money. I was satisfied and I'm happy with them. The people who recommended them to me are happy with them as well.

Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

Will Anderson, CEO

Complete Solar Solution designs and installs customized solar power solutions throughout most of California. The company’s innovative approach to solar power solutions provides homeowners with optimized systems chosen from among hundreds of manufacturer and financing options, which eliminates the need for them to solicit multiple bids from different installers and manufacturers.

CEO Will Anderson says Complete Solar Solution sets itself apart by taking the time to match clients with the right systems for their needs instead of only presenting options from select manufacturers. “Since we aren’t committed to any single manufacturer, we’re able to look at all types of brands, technologies and installation techniques to determine the optimal solar power system for each individual home.”

Complete Solar Solution utilizes custom financing and its proprietary HelioQuote™ software to make the solar process as simple and affordable as possible for its clients. “We want people to know that going solar is simple, fast and will save thousands of dollars on their electrical bills,” says Mr. Anderson.

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Complete Solar Solution

Complete Solar Solution prides itself on being able to quickly install solar systems on any type of roof and come up with solutions for any situation.

Company Profile

Complete Solar Solution designs and installs customized solar power solutions throughout most of California. The company’s innovative approach to solar power solutions provides homeowners with optimized systems chosen from among hundreds of manufacturer and financing options, which eliminates the need for them to solicit multiple bids from different installers and manufacturers.

CEO Will Anderson says Complete Solar Solution sets itself apart by taking the time to match clients with the right systems for their needs instead of only presenting options from select manufacturers. “Since we aren’t committed to any single manufacturer, we’re able to look at all types of brands, technologies and installation techniques to determine the optimal solar power system for each individual home.”

Complete Solar Solution utilizes custom financing and its proprietary HelioQuote™ software to make the solar process as simple and affordable as possible for its clients. “We want people to know that going solar is simple, fast and will save thousands of dollars on their electrical bills,” says Mr. Anderson.

Company Philosophy

“Our goal is to provide the best solution for every client, regardless of their situation. We understand the solar purchasing process can be complex and frustrating, so we act as advocates for our customers and represent them every step of the way to ensure they have positive experiences.”

Comparative Summary

Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for solar companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Complete Solar Solutions, the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is removing the technical and bureaucratic obstacles that tend to make the solar installation process slow and painstaking for homeowners. “We’re seven times faster than the industry average when it comes to completing installations,” says Vice President of Marketing Mark Harnett. “That’s just one way we make going solar as simple and enjoyable as possible for our clients.”

Complete Solar Solutions has been designing and installing customized solar power solutions throughout most of California since 2008. The company’s innovative business approach is designed to provide homeowners with optimized systems that are chosen from hundreds of manufacturer and financing options, which eliminates the need for them to get multiple bids from different manufacturers and installers.

Unlike solar companies that take a “one size fits all” approach to the systems they design and install, Complete Solar Solutions focuses on providing customized systems that fulfill its clients’ specific solar needs. “We analyze a variety of factors to determine the best system for each situation, including the position of the client’s house and its exposure to sunlight,” explains Mr. Harnett. “Also, since we aren’t committed to any single manufacturer, we’re able to look at different brands and technologies to determine the optimal system for every home.”

To further differentiate itself from its competition, Complete Solar Solution uses a unique software tool that analyzes clients’ energy usage and the conditions of their homes in order to determine the best option for each situation. “Our proprietary software is designed to make the solar process affordable and simple for every homeowner,” says Mr. Harnett. “Ultimately, we want to show our clients that it makes economic and practical sense to use solar power in their homes.”

Industry Info

To get the most out of a solar power system, pay attention to your connection to the local power utility. Some homeowners think they can install a solar system on their property and entirely replace their electrical connection to the grid, but that’s not the case. In fact, that connection is essential for getting the most out of a solar system. When sunlight is abundant, a properly designed and sized system produces more power than the home needs, and that excess power can be sold back to the power utility. At night or when it’s cloudy, the home draws power from the electrical grid, so there’s no need for a battery backup. And the energy from the grid can usually be purchased at lower nighttime rates, so it’s less expensive than the energy that’s sold back to the utility company at peak hours.

It’s also important to understand your utility company’s rates. Many areas have different “tiers of usage,” and each uses its own formula to calculate cost. As a general rule, you pay more as your energy demands increase. If your monthly PG&E bill exceeds $237, that means you’re at “Tier 5” and pay higher rates, but PG&E removes top tiers from its cost formula for properties with solar power systems, so the more you spend on electricity, the higher your return on investment will be.

Mark Harnett, vice president of marketing at Complete Solar Solution in Foster City, says there are numerous tax rebates that can make installing a solar power system more affordable. “Rebates vary by city and county, but any reputable solar company will know what’s available in your area and how to take advantage of the best options. As of July 2013, the biggest rebate available is a 30 percent federal tax rebate.”

Remember, solar power isn’t for everyone—in order to benefit from a solar system, your energy usage patterns and your home’s size and location have to be ideal. If you’re thinking about going solar, the first thing you should do is have a professional perform an analysis and provide a detailed breakdown of your expected savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who makes the solar panels you install?

A: We don’t use any one type of panel—we look at many different manufacturers and choose the best panels for each individual situation. We consider a variety of criteria, including where the panels are made, how much they cost and how efficient they are.

Q: Can I install the panels myself?

A: It can be done, but it’s a complicated project. You’d have to do a lot of research about what kind of system you need, what equipment is available, the local permitting laws and so on. In addition to installing solar equipment, we handle the architectural and engineering designs, pull building permits, and manage the inspections and utility hook-ups.

Q: What happens to my solar system if I sell my house?

A: The solar system you purchase can be deeded along with the house, which increases its value. If you sell the house before the lease on the solar panels is up, you’ll recoup the value of the project and then some.

Q: Do I need to clean or maintain my solar panels?

A: Rain is enough to keep them clean most of the time. You may need to hose them off once a year or so, but most of the systems we install carry a maintenance contract, so that’s not something you need to worry about.

Q: Aren’t solar prices going down? Should I wait?

A: The recent drops in solar prices came from a huge increase in the manufacturing base, but the market is saturated now and solar panel prices have stopped dropping so quickly. The longer you wait, the more you’ll continue to pay high electric bills.

SELECTED PHOTOS FROM Complete Solar Solution

Complete Solar Solution prides itself on being able to quickly install solar systems on any type of roof.

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Complete Solar Solution prides itself on being able to quickly install solar systems on any type of roof and come up with soluti

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Dave Anderson

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Dave Anderson is Chief Revenue Officer at Complete Solar Solution, a Diamond Certified company since 2013. He can be reached at (877) 597-0581 or by email.

Dave Anderson: A Solar Achievement

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN MATEO — Most solar professionals get into the industry via the technical side, but for Dave Anderson, it was the financial aspect that came first. “Before getting into solar, I was co-running a finance company,” he recounts. “We noticed the solar industry was lacking good financing options, so we started using some of our existing business relationships to set up loans and other financing options for homeowners who wanted to install solar. Soon after we started, we noticed that many companies weren’t doing a very good job of installing solar. This inspired us to go from merely financing solar to becoming a full-service installer.”

Today, as chief revenue officer of Complete Solar Solutions, Dave says he enjoys being on the cutting edge of a continuously evolving industry. “I like the fact that solar was once considered a fringe technology but has now become a fairly mainstream part of our energy mix, especially here in California. We’re on the cusp of doing even greater things, so it’s a very exciting industry to be involved with.”

Originally from Montana, Dave moved to the Bay Area in 2007 and today lives in Danville with his wife, Angela, and their three children. Between its sunny climate and technological innovation, he says the Bay Area is a perfect place to be in the solar industry. “Being from Montana, I really enjoy the weather here, but I also appreciate the innovative character of the Bay Area. The environment makes it possible for a company in any industry to thrive, but it’s especially ideal for solar companies.”

Outside of work, Dave engages in active pastimes such as martial arts. “I’m a jiu-jitsu brown belt, and I train alongside local and professional fighters,” he says. “I also enjoy attending my kids’ sporting events.” Additionally, Dave likes to immerse himself in the great outdoors. “Every so often, my family likes to break away and go camping. Having grown up in Montana, the outdoors is a big part of who I am.”

In regard to his professional career, Dave espouses the virtues of challenging the status quo. “We started this company because we believed there was a better way to get energy,” he explains. “There was—and continues to be—a perception that you’re supposed to buy energy from the utility company, and we’re here to challenge that. It’s not just about solar: if it was wind, hydrogen or another energy source, we would be involved with that. At the end of the day, it’s about providing energy that’s clean, reliable and renewable.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Dave says he’d devote more time toward community involvement. “I don’t know that it’s in me to retire, but if I weren’t working a full-time job, I’d be more active in the community. In particular, I’d like to be involved with youth sports and other local activities for kids.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco Giants.

Q: Did you play any sports in high school?
A: I played just about all of them, but I primarily focused on baseball, wrestling and football.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dessert?
A: My wife and I like to go to BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and get a pizookie from time to time.

Expert articles

Understanding Power Purchase Agreements

by Dave Anderson, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

SAN MATEO — One of the most daunting aspects of any residential solar project is figuring out how to finance it. Historically, homeowners have had to go through more traditional routes to do this, such as government loans or home equity lines of credit. However, in recent years, another option has become available to California homeowners who want to install solar: power purchase agreements.

Put simply, a power purchase agreement (PPA) is a contract between a company that sells energy and a consumer who purchases that energy. In exchange for having a solar power system custom-designed and installed for their home, the consumer agrees to lease the system and the power it generates at a specific rate for a specific period of time. In California, PPAs are typically set up for 20 to 25 years.

A PPA will typically include an escalator, which means the rate will increase at a defined percentage over the course of the contract (typically around 2.9 percent per year). However, since PPA rates commonly beat local utility rates by 20 to 40 percent, even as your rate increases, you’re likely to continue saving money.

PPAs are most beneficial for homeowners who want to take advantage of the financial and practical benefits of solar power without the substantial cost of installation and ownership. Since you only pay for system usage and not the system itself, you can start saving money on your energy bills right away, rather than a decade or two down the road.

Expert video tip

Video: Power Purchase Agreements

with Dave Anderson of Complete Solar Solution

Complete Video Transcription:

SAN MATEO — Host, Sarah Rutan: When it comes to financing a solar power installation, one option to consider is a power purchase agreement. Today we’re in San Mateo with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Dave Anderson of Complete Solar Solution to learn more.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Dave Anderson: Financing a residential solar project can be a really confusing or difficult project. Typically, homeowners have had to go through more traditional methods, like loans or going and applying for home equity lines of credit for their homes to pay for solar. More recently, power purchase agreements, and even leases in some instances, have become available, particularly here, to California homeowners.

A power purchase agreement is, simply stated, a person that sells power and a person that purchases power. And there’s an agreement to buy and sell that power at a very specific rate for a very specific period of time. Typical PPAs here in California will be 20 to 25 years. And they will have an escalator, meaning that the rate will go up at a very defined rate, typically around 2.9% per year over the course of that 20 or 25 years. PPA rates will typically beat the local utility by anywhere from 20 to 40%. So, if you choose the right company that will size the system for you accurately and appropriately based on your past usage, it can be a wonderful way to save money on your electricity.

Host, Sarah Rutan: To learn more from local top rated companies, visit our Diamond Certified Expert Reports at experts.diamondcertified.org.

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Complete Solar Solution

Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Complete Solar Solution

Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise

Complete Solar Solution

200 SURVEYS

RATING

6 CONSECUTIVE YEARS SINCEJune 2013CERT2030

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Customer LOYALTY
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Helpful Expertise
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Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

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Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 200 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
i

Complete Solar Solution:
Average 8.8 out of 10 based on 200 unique customer surveys of customer satisfaction.

Richard A.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

1
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I've recommended them to a couple of people I know who are interested in solar.

They laid everything out very neatly and they explained everything very thoroughly, regarding the timeline and how it would go. They were complete in their presentation and prompt in their work.

Robert C.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

2
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're worthwhile. If it fits your needs, use them.

I like the program that they presented and I like that I'm saving money. I was satisfied and I'm happy with them. The people who recommended them to me are happy with them as well.

Mary C.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

3
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

We've told other people about them and how reliable and efficient they are. The company they use to do the installation is also really good. We knew about Complete Solar from neighbors who are extremely satisfied with them and we've since referred other neighbors to them.

They're professional and knowledgeable about the solar system, and they answered all of our questions. They seem to be keeping up with the latest engineering technology.

Terry R.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

4
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I thought they did a great job at explaining how things would work, the whole process, from placing the order to installing and configuring the equipment was excellent.

I think it was the explanation, again, they were very detailed.

Luis M.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

5
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were good.

They got everything how we wanted.

Leah A.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

6
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were amazing. I haven't had any other company to compare them against, but it wasn't bad or anything. They were very hard working, wanted to make sure we were happy and got what we wanted.

They were upfront about the costs, without any surprises down the line.

Steve S.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

7
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

We aren't in that home anymore, it was about a year and a half ago that we worked with them, but I would definitely recommend that they look into Complete Solar.

They have good sales reps, they are very thorough, and they very trustworthy.

Cheryl L.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

8
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I thought they were good people and hard workers. They worked really hard on designing the look of the panels onto our home, in a custom setting. It looks very nice and they did a wonderful job, the craftsmanship is great.

They were not only able to get the aesthetics down, but the actually delivery of power that we wanted is amazing.

Oscar G.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

9
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They had a couple hold up's on ordering the parts, which set us back about 4 to 5 weeks, but that was not their fault. They were a very hardworking team, and they delivered.

They were able to deliver the product they said they could.

Cindy M.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

10
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They worked mostly with my husband, but I was the one who originally signed up for the information on the solar. From what I hear, they were great. From the experience I had with them, they were good.

They are responsive.

Sue P.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

11
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were available when we had questions, they explained everything in detail, and they installed all the equipment quickly after the order.

They helped us with the forms for the tax write off.

James C.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

12
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I thought they had a great process, from their first visit to a month after completion to make sure everything was calculating correctly.

They came back to check on everything.

Paul P.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

13
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I thought they knew what they were doing, they were very professional, and had a lot of different options for different needs. They were good.

The options were good.

Robert F.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

14
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I have recommended them to various people who ask about our solar. They have been very helpful to any questions regarding sell back to the electric company. I think it is amazing how energy can be transferred this way. They were really good about explaining it to us.

They were just on top of everything from concerns we had, to on going questions on the equipment after it was all said and done.

Kimberly M.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

15
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I have referred them many times to family, which have expressed they had a great experience as well. We are very satisfied with their services and products.

I think it was the follow-through and they were cost effective.

Anthony C.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

16
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are a good company, call them.

They were quick and did things correctly.

Kathleen H.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

17
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

My husband and I absolutely loved having them around, they are very professional, and they have a good sense of design aesthetics.

Their taste in the way things look according to the layout of your house

Jose M.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

18
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I think they did a good job and the work was quality. We did get a panel that we had to send back, but I guess that happens from time to time.

I liked that they were able to get everything done quickly.

Adrian C.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

19
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're very professional and helpful.

They did their best to make sure that we were satisfied with everything.

Ursala L.

VERIFIED Complete Solar Solution CUSTOMER

20
of
200

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Everything about the process was good and they installed the system promptly.